"One of those treatment stays was at Recovery Works, where I met staff who changed my life and helped me through so much—even after I was no longer a patient."

Rachael S. | Recovery Works

My name is Rachael, and I have been sober since January 6, 2024. I had a long list of drugs that I abused for many years. My addiction started when I was about 14 years old. I always had older friends, and they introduced me to hardcore drugs at a very young age.

At the time, my parents were in the process of getting divorced, and I never had a good relationship with my dad. When they finally divorced, I lived with just my mom. She worked at a hospital, which allowed me to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

Eventually, I got into some legal trouble and was forced to complete a 60-day rehab stay as a minor. After I got out, I entered a very toxic and abusive relationship. I ended up getting pregnant with my first son and stayed clean throughout my pregnancy. However, once he was born, I went right back to using.

The abusive relationship worsened, and I became addicted to opiates and eventually harder drugs. I went on to have another son with him. The relationship ultimately ended when he fatally assaulted my friend in my mom’s front yard.

After that, it took many years and many different treatment stays before I was able to get clean. One of those treatment stays was at Recovery Works, where I met staff who changed my life and helped me through so much—even after I was no longer a patient.

Though I did relapse after my stay at Recovery Works and ended up in jail and back in treatment, my heart was always with Recovery Works. Once I had enough clean time, I came back to work for Recovery Works. I have been here for a year so far, and I love everything about working in this field. I hope I can touch someone’s life the way the staff at Recovery Works touched mine.